A discussion among the representatives of the Nippon Foundation, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Kelaniya on commencing the “Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies Special Degree” and the “Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies Diploma” was held on the 24th of July 2017 at the Vice Chancellor’s Office of the University of Kelaniya.

Accordingly, this discussion was held on behalf of taking necessary actions to commence the “Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies Special Degree” and the “Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies Diploma” which are going to be conducted by the Department of Linguistics of the University of Kelaniya. The event was spearheaded by Yasunobu Ishii, the Director of Disability Program of the Nippon Foundation and Prof. (Ms.) Gladys Wai-lan Tang, the Director of the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Prof. D.M. Semasinghe, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Prof. Patrick Ratnayake, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, C.D.C.H. Premarathne, the Head of the Department of Linguistics, Retired Prof. R.M.W. Rajapakshe of the Department of Linguistics. The academic staff members of the Department of Linguistics and the members of the Deaf Society were also participated in this event.